Region 1 Division I Champions Leagues Rules
Table of Contents
Region I Division I League Rules History
2
Rule 101. Age Groups
2
Rule 102. Team Rosters, Player Eligibility and Team Composition
Section 1. Rosters
Section 2. Team Composition.
Section3. Player Passes
Section4. Player Eligibility
2
3
3
3
3
Rule 103. Team Obligations
Section 1. Uniform Requirements
Section 2. Roster Copies and Checking of Player Passes
Section 3. Official Game Report Form
Section 4. Reporting Scores
Section 5. Field Fees
3
3
3
3
4
4
Rule 104 Game Information
Section 1. Rules
Section 2. Game Requirements by Age Group.
Section 3. Referee Fees
Section 4. Forfeitures
4
4
4
5
5
Rule 105. Substitutions
5
Rule 106. Standings And Advancement
Section 1. Team Standings
Section 2. Team Advancement
5
5
5
Rule 107. Wildcards
6
Rule 108. Canceling And Terminating Games
Section 1. Game Schedules
Section 2. Game Cancellations
Section 3. Game Termination
Section 4. Reschedules Games
7
7
7
7
Rule 109. Fines
Section 1. Failure To Pay Referees
Section 2. Forfeiting A Game
7
7
7
Rule 110. Suspensions
Section 1. Red Card Ejections
Section 2. Sit Out Requirements
Section 3. Additional Game Suspensions
Section 4. Notification Of Cards Issued.
7
7
8
8
8
Rule 111. Region I Champions League Administrator
8
Revision History
Date
6/2013
Version
I
Author/Editor
Ray Greenberg
Comments
1. Reformatted the
entire document.
Added a title page.
Added a revision
history page. Added
overtime period for
semi-finals and finals
matches. Revised
wording on coach
ejection from match.
Changed the forfeited
game score to 4-0 to
comply with the NCS
rules used for
Regionals. Clarified
tiebreaker rules
9/2014
II
Natalie Schwoeble
Tim McCoy
Edited to comply with
Champions League
rules as approved in
8/2014
Rule 101. Age Groups
The Region 1 Champions League will consist of the following age groups:
Under 12 Boys and Girls 8v8
Under 12 Boys and Girls 11v11
Under 13 Boys and Girls
Under 14 Boys and Girls
Under 15 Boys and Girls
Under 16 Boys and Girls
Under 17 Boys and Girls
Under 18 Boys and Girls
Rule 102.
Team Rosters, Player Eligibility and Team Composition
Section 1. Rosters
The official stamped State Association Roster shall be used for the Region 1 Champions
League Division I (RCL) play. The roster for each team is due in the League
Administrator’s office by 12:00 Noon of the Wednesday before the first scheduled match
for the team’s age group as published on the Region I website. This requirement does
not change if the first game has to be rescheduled due to weather or other factors. The
original submission date for rosters will not change.
Please note: teams must adhere to the new NCS Club Pass Rules adopted August,
2011. Key rules are #221 and #224. Club pass rules can be found on the Forms and
Documents Section of the Region I website (http://www.region1.com). There will be no
Loan/Guest Players on any team in the Champions League. In State Associations that
allow multiple rostering, all players on a Champions League roster must be primary
rostered players. That is, no player may be primary rostered to another team competing
in the State level National Championships and be secondary rostered to a Champions
League team. All teams must adhere to the nine (9) player continuity of roster rules.
Section2. Team Composition
For U12 playing 8 v 8, a maximum of 14 players may be rostered. For U12 (playing 11 v
11) through U18 teams, a maximum of 22 players may be listed on the team roster.
However, for each game, only a maximum of 18 players may be listed on the game day
roster submitted to the referee. Once the game roster has been submitted to the referee,
only the 18 players listed may participate in the match. Each player listed must be
registered with the State Association in which he or she resides with his or her parent(s)
or guardian(s). For a student in residence at a boarding school, college or university, the
payer may register in the state in which the boarding school, college, university, or
division of the college or university is located. A minimum of seven (7) players
constitutes a team for play.
Section 3. Player Passes
Every player in the Division I Champions League MUST have a valid and current US
Youth Soccer Player Pass.
Section 4. Player Eligibility
An ineligible player is one who is in violation of any of the provisions within the US Youth
Soccer National Championship Series Policies or has been otherwise suspended by
action of the Region I Champions League administration.
Rule 103. Team Obligations
Section 1. Uniform Requirements
No team, coach, manager, shall wear the logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of a
non-US Youth Soccer organization on their uniforms during any Region I League game
or associated event. A manufacturer’s mark is exempted. Teams wearing such items
shall either remove the mark, change uniforms to comply with this rule or forfeit the
match.
Section2. Roster Copies and Checking of Player Passes
Each coach must have a copy of his/her team’s official stamped State Association
Roster and US Youth Soccer Player Passes at every game. A copy of the roster will be
given to the referee. Prior to the start of the game, the referee is required to check player
passes against each player and against the names on the Official stamped State
Association Roster. This requirement is not optional and a referee’s refusal to check
player passes shall be immediately reported to the Division I Champions League
Administrator following the game.
Section 3. Official Game Report Form
Prior to the beginning of each game, the home team coach shall be responsible for
completing the League’s Official Game Report. The Game Report Form and a copy of
the roster from each team will be delivered to the referee prior to the kick-off. After the
game, the referee shall submit the completed Game Report Form with both Official
Game Rosters to the Region I League Administrator by scanning and emailing to
regonechampleague@outlook.com. If necessary, the forms may be mailed to 1686
Hillsdale Avenue, Pgh., PA 15216. The referee shall immediately forward to the Division
I Champions League Administrator, details about any red or yellow cards given during
the game. The information shall be sent regonechampleague@outlook.com.
Section 4. Reporting Scores
One designated person from the WINNING team is to report the game scores. Please
report scores the weekend of your games by Sunday night 11:00pm. It is suggested to
report the score while with the other team before leaving the field to confirm the correct
score.
Items you will need to know:
Event ID: The team contact will be given it before the season starts.
4 Digit Pin: The team contact will be given it before the season starts.
Game Number: Found on the website next to the game
Home team and Away team: Based on the website not who is hosting the game.
You have 3 options below.
1. CALL 1-904-758-0875
a. You will be prompted to enter
b. UPDATE GAME RECORDS: Press 1
c. EVENT ID: based on league above
d. 4-DIGIT PIN: based on league above
e. Follow the prompts
f. Do not report Red or Yellow Cards.
g. Do not leave a message for the league at this number.
2. ENTER ONLINE
a. Go to www.gotsport.com/m
b. Click on Event Score
3. ENTER FROM YOUR SMART PHONE
a. Download the Gotsoccer app for your phone.
b. Click Gotsoccer.com button
c. Click Event Score
If you report the score incorrectly, you have 24 hours to update it with the correct score.
Section 5. Field Fees
Host team is responsible for any field rental and/or set-up costs associated with hosting
Division I matches. However, if a neutral site is used then the teams using the site will
equally share any rental and/or set up costs.
Rule 104. Game Information
Section1. Rules
Except as otherwise provided by these rules, the FIFA “Laws of the Game” apply to
Division I Champions League games.
Section 2. Game Requirements by Age Group
The length of games, ball size, ball weight, and ball dimensions for each age group shall
be as follows:
Soccer ball requirements:
Age Group
Size Circumference
Weight
U12
#4
25-26 inches
11-13 ounces.
U13-U18
#5
27-28 inches
14-16 ounces.
Semi-Finals/Finals
Age Group
Game Length
Under 12
Two 30’ halves
Under 13
Two 35’ halves
Under 14
Two 35’ halves
Under 15
Two 40’ halves
Under 16
Two 40’ halves
Under 17
Two 45’ halves
Under 18
Two 45’ halves
* Overtime Period Semi and Finals Only
Two 10’ havles
Two 10’ halves
Two 10’ halves
Two 15’ halves
Two 15’ halves
Two 15’ halves
Two 15’ halves
Note: Tie scores will stand at the end of regulation time for all preliminary matches.
*Semi-Final and Final game, if the game is still tied at the end of overtime, the FIFA “Kicks from
the Penalty Mark” rules will determine the winner.
Section 3. Referee Fees
The fees are:
Age Group
U12
U13-U14
U15-U18
Referee Fee
$70.00
$70.00
$80.00
Asst. Referee Fee
$45.00
$45.00
$50.00
Section 4. Forfeitures
Forfeited games shall be scored as 4 – 0 win for the non-forfeiting team.
Rule 105. Substitutions
Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at any stoppage of play. There is no
limit on re-entry of a substituted player into game.
Rule 106. Standings and Advancement
Section 1. Team Standings
A team’s standings in its division will be determined by the number of points it receives
based on its win/loss record during the league season. Points will be awarded as
follows: three (3) points for a win; one (1) point for a tie; and zero (0) points for a loss.
Section 2. Team Advancement
The number of teams to be promoted and relegated will be determined based upon the
number of entries in the league. The number will be announced prior to the start of the
season.
In age groups with ten (10) teams (2 divisions of 5 teams), twelve (12) teams (2 divisions
of 6 teams), fourteen (14) teams (2 divisions of 7 teams), sixteen (16) teams (2 divisions
of 8 teams), or eighteen (18) teams (2 divisions of 9 teams) advancing to the SemiFinals will be determined as follows:
The top two teams in each division with the most win/tie points will participate in
the Semi-Finals.
In the event of a tie within a division, the following criteria shall be used to determine the
top two teams.
a. Head-to-head result between the two teams or among the three, four, or five
teams involved. Using a three-way tie as an example: A beat B; B tied C; C beat
A. A is 1-1- 0=3 points. B is 0-1-1=1 point. C is 1-0-1=4 points. C is the winner
with four tiebreaker points, A would finish 2nd, and B would finish in 3rd place. If
two teams are still tied after using this head-to-head tiebreaker, restart with the
head-to-head results between the two teams that are tied.
b. Most wins
c. Goal Differential (Goals scored minus goals against) with a maximum of 4
goals per game
d. Fewest goals allowed
e. Fewest Red Cards
f. Coin Toss
In age groups with six (6) teams or eight (8) teams, the teams advancing to the SemiFinals will be determined as follows:
a. The top four (4) teams in the age group
b. In the event of a tie, the elimination procedures in Section 2.b will be used
Rule 107. Wildcards
The wildcards for the Region I National Championships will be awarded to champions of
Division I as follows:
a. The Boys and Girls Under 12 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 Champions of the Spring 2015
Division I Champions League will be the automatic wildcard (regardless of their team’s
actual age level) for the 2015 Boys and Girls Under 12 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 Region
I National Championships respectively.
b. If a Division I League Champion is their State Association’s State Champion, the
wildcard of that age group will go to the Division I League’s Runner-Up.
c. If the Runner-Up is their State Association’s State Champion, the wildcard of that age
group will go to the Division I League’s third place team.
d. If the Third Place Team is their State Association’s State Champion, the wildcard of
that age group will go to the Division I League’s fourth place team.
e. If the Fourth Place Team is their State Association’s State Champion, the wildcard of
that age group will go to the Division I League’s fifth place team.
f. If the Fifth Place Team is their State Association’s State Champion, the wildcard of that
age group will go to the Division I League’s sixth place team.
g. If the Sixth Place Team is their State Association’s State Champion, the wildcard will
revert back to the National Championship Committee.
h. The fifth and sixth place teams will be determined from the final league standings of
the regular season play. There will be no playoff games to determine the fifth and sixth
place teams.
Teams participating in the Region I Division I League are subject to their own State
Association’s National Championship Rules as well as all US Youth Soccer National
Championship Rules.
A team that participates in the Division I Champions League and does NOT participate in their
State Association's National Championships Competition (in the same seasonal year) CANNOT
be eligible for the automatic wildcard. The RCL Commission will determine if the team can
participate in the Champions Division I league semi-finals and finals or if they will be expelled
from the League.
A team that captures the Division I League Championship and has forfeited a game(s) in their
State Association’s National Championship Competition (in the same seasonal year) CANNOT
be eligible for the automatic wildcard.
Rule 108. Canceling and Terminating Games
Section 1. Game Schedules
The game schedule will be determined and approved by the Division I Administrator
before the start of the season and will be published on the Region I website. No changes
will be made to the schedule within 72 hours of a scheduled game. No game can be
rescheduled without the permission of the Division I Administrator.
Section 2. Game Cancellations
No game may be canceled except for inclement weather or other act of God. If there is
inclement weather or other act of God, the home team’s Division I League Contact
Person shall immediately contact the Division I Administrator at
regonechampleague@outlook.com for approval to cancel. If the Administrator is not
available, then the Contact Person shall leave a message and the circumstances
regarding the inclement weather or act of God, and the game is then canceled without
the Division I Administrator’s approval.
Section 3. Game Termination
Once a referee has jurisdiction of a game, the game may only be terminated by the
referee as provided for in the FIFA Laws of the Game. If a game is terminated before the
second half of the game is begun, and the termination is not due to the conduct of one of
the teams, the game shall be replayed in its entirety. If a game is terminated after play
has begun in the second half of the game, but before the end of the second half and the
termination is not due to the conduct of one of the teams, the game is considered
complete, and the score will stand. If a game is terminated because of the conduct of
one team, the offending team shall be awarded a 0-4 loss.
Section 4. Reschedules Games
Division I League Administrator shall reschedule a canceled or terminated game (not
due to the misconduct of a team) as soon as possible. If the Administrator determines
that rescheduling the game would be extremely difficult and would not have an effect on
either team being in the Semi-Finals, the Administrator may decide not to reschedule the
game.
Rule 109. Fines
Section 1. Failure to Pay Referees
A team that fails to pay its referee fees will be fined $250.
Section 2. Forfeiting a Game
Any team forfeiting a game will be fined $250 and will also have to pay the entire referee
fee of the forfeited game. For games forfeited after April 15, the fine for forfeiting a game
will be $ 500 plus the entire referee fee. Forfeitures will be scored as 4-0 for the nonforfeiting team.
Rule110 Suspensions
Section 1. Red Card Ejections
A player is suspended for at least one game if they receive a red card (ejection) or 2
yellow cards in the same game that results in a red card (ejection). A coach will be
suspended for at least one game if he (she) is removed from the game by the referee.
Any coach or player cited for Referee Assault and Abuse will be referred back to their
state for adjudication.
Section 2. Sit Out Requirements
A player or coach receiving a suspension in a game other than the final match must sit
out the next Division I League game(s). If a player or coach receives a red card or a
second yellow card in the Division I League final and is the Wildcard for the Region I
National Championships, the player or coach or must sit out the first game(s) of the
Region I National Championships.
Section 3 Additional Game Suspensions
A player or coach may be suspended for more than one game if the Division I League
administration considers the offense one that should have more than a one-game
suspension.
Section 4. Notification of Cards Issued
The Division I League Administrator will notify the appropriate State Association of all
cards given.
Rule 111. Region I Division I League Administrator
The Region Division I Administrator has complete authority over any disciplinary matter arising
out of the Division I League play including suspension and fines when considered appropriate.
In unusual cases, with extenuating circumstances, a team can appeal a decision to the RCL
Commission when accompanied by a $500, appeal fee. Only if the appeal is upheld, will the fee
be returned to the appellant.